Vehicle disassembly system and method

ABSTRACT

A vehicle disassembly system for disassembling a vehicle by moving the vehicle through a plurality of discrete workstations specifically adapted for select de-pollution and dismantling procedures encountered during the end-of-life vehicle recycling process. A vehicle disassembly system exemplifying the principles of the present invention may comprise a primary de-pollution and disassembly line and an engine disassembly line. The primary de-pollution and disassembly line may include one or more de-pollution stations, one or more intermediate, part removal stations, and a conveyor apparatus for transmitting the end-of-life vehicle from the de-pollution stations to the part removal stations. The engine disassembly line may include an overhead track support frame, a trolley assembly, one or more height adjustable loading tables, one or more height adjustable work tables, and one or more height adjustable un-loading tables. The vehicle disassembly system may also comprise an engine cleaning apparatus positioned proximate to the height adjustable un-loading tables of the engine disassembly line.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 16/517,174 filed onJul. 19, 2019, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/701,369 filed on Jul. 20, 2018 andto U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/803,969 filed on Feb. 11,2019, each of which are incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND

End of life vehicles (ELVs) are vehicles that have come to the end oftheir useful lives. ELVs are typically disassembled and recycled forwaste management, environmental, and economic reasons. The ELV recyclingprocess involves de-polluting the vehicle by removing fluids, tires, thebattery, and any other hazardous substances, dismantling any reusablevehicle parts, and then shredding the vehicle to recycle ferrous andnon-ferrous metals.

The conventional ELV recycling process typically takes place at a scrapyard, with the de-pollution and dismantling processes being undertakenat a single location while the ELV is mounted on a vehicle lift. Oncecompleted, the ELV will be moved to another location at the scrap yardto await shredding. This procedure will be repeated in an iterativefashion, with a different ELV being mounted on the vehicle lift so thatthe de-pollution and dismantling procedures can be repeated throughoutthe day.

The use of a vehicle disassembly line has been conceptualized as a toolfor increasing the efficiency of the ELV dismantling process. However,such known vehicle disassembly systems have suffered from a variety ofissues that have negatively impacted their commercial viability, such asthe complexity of the machinery necessary to execute the system.Moreover, such systems have failed to comprehensively address the myriadof logistical, economic, and environmental challenges posed by the ELVrecycling process.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention disclosed herein is generally directed to a vehicledisassembly system capable of disassembling a vehicle in an efficient,comprehensive, and environmentally friendly manner by moving the vehiclethrough a plurality of discrete workstations specifically adapted forselect de-pollution and dismantling procedures encountered during theELV recycling process. The vehicle disassembly system of the presentinvention provides a comprehensive solution to the ELV recycling processthat improves efficiency and reduces environmental pollution.

A vehicle disassembly system exemplifying the principles of the presentinvention may comprise a primary de-pollution and disassembly line. Theprimary de-pollution and disassembly line may include a conveyorapparatus, a vehicle cart, one or more greening stations, and one ormore intermediate, part removal stations. The conveyor apparatus mayinclude a conveyor track extending along the dismantling andde-pollution line, with the vehicle cart being configured to be mountedto the conveyor track in a manner allowing the vehicle cart to betransferred along the length of the conveyor track. The greeningstation(s) may have one or more fluid removal machines adapted torecover vehicle fluids found in ELVs. A plurality of fluid removal linescan be used to fluidly connect each fluid removal machine to a storagetank for collecting, storing, and recycling each recovered vehiclefluid. The part removal stations may include an upright post, a worksurface attached to the post, and a bumper extending from the post andpositioned to prevent contact between the work surface and an openvehicle door.

A vehicle disassembly system exemplifying the principles of the presentinvention may further comprise an engine disassembly line. The enginedisassembly line may include an overhead track support frame, a trolleyassembly, one or more height adjustable loading tables, and one or moreheight adjustable work tables. The overhead track support frame mayinclude a first track extending along the support frame. The trolleyassembly may be suspended from and configured to move along the firsttrack. The one or more height adjustable loading tables may bepositioned below the first track and configured to allow an engine onthe adjustable loading table to be secured to the trolley assembly. Theone or more plurality of height adjustable work tables may be positionedalong the track and beyond the adjustable loading table.

In further embodiments, a vehicle disassembly system exemplifying theprinciples of the present invention may also comprise an engine cleaningapparatus that includes a roller conveyor, a main enclosure, an openinspection zone, and a secondary enclosure. The roller conveyor may havea first end and a second end. The main enclosure may extend along theroller conveyor and may include a washing zone, a drip zone, and a firstdryer zone. The secondary enclosure may be positioned along the rollerconveyor between the second end of the roller conveyor and the mainenclosure.

The above summary is not intended to describe each illustratedembodiment or every possible implementation. It is not an exhaustiveoverview of the details disclosed herein. Nor is it intended to identifykey or critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope ofthe invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of thesubject matter of this disclosure will become better understood in viewof the following description, drawings, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer toidentical or functionally similar elements throughout the separateviews, and which, together with the detailed description below, areincorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to illustrateand to explain various principles and advantages in accordance with thepresent invention:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a vehicle disassemblyline in accordance with disclosed aspects and features.

FIGS. 2A-2D are perspective views of one embodiment of a vehicle cart inaccordance with disclosed aspects and features.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a conveyorapparatus, a greening station, and a part removal station portion inaccordance with disclosed aspects and features.

FIGS. 4A-4C are perspective views of an embodiment of the conveyorapparatus in accordance with disclosed aspects and features.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a first greeningstation in accordance with disclosed aspects and features.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a second greeningstation in accordance with disclosed aspects and features.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the second greeningstation in accordance with disclosed aspects and features.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a third greeningstation in accordance with disclosed aspects and features.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the conveyor apparatus, the conveyortrack, and the part removal station portion in accordance with disclosedaspects and features.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a plurality of part removal stations ina part removal portion of a disassembly line in accordance withdisclosed aspects and features.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are perspective views of an embodiment of a partremoval station having two command terminals in accordance withdisclosed aspects and features.

FIG. 12 is an embodiment of an engine disassembly line in accordancewith disclosed aspects and features.

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of an enginedisassembly line as shown in FIG. 12 in accordance with disclosedaspects and features.

FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of an enginedisassembly line as shown in FIG. 12 in accordance with disclosedaspects and features.

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of an enginedisassembly line as shown in FIG. 12 in accordance with disclosedaspects and features.

FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of an enginedisassembly line as shown in FIG. 12 in accordance with disclosedaspects and features.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an engine disassemblyline as shown in FIG. 12 in accordance with disclosed aspects andfeatures.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an engine disassemblyline showing an engine disassembly station in accordance with disclosedaspects and features.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an engine disassemblyline showing engine unloading stations in accordance with disclosedaspects and features.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an engine disassemblyline showing an engine unloading roller assembly in accordance withdisclosed aspects and features.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an engine disassemblyline showing an engine unloading roller cart in accordance withdisclosed aspects and features.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an engine cleaningapparatus in accordance with disclosed aspects and features.

FIG. 23 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the enginecleaning apparatus as shown in FIG. 22 in accordance with disclosedaspects and features.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the engine cleaningapparatus as shown in FIG. 22 in accordance with disclosed aspects andfeatures.

FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the enginecleaning apparatus as shown in FIG. 22 in accordance with disclosedaspects and features.

FIG. 26 is an internal view of an embodiment of an engine cleaningapparatus as shown in FIG. 22 showing a second enclosure in accordancewith disclosed aspects and features.

FIGS. 27A and 27B are rear views of an embodiment of an engine cleaningapparatus as shown in FIG. 22 showing a second enclosure and a thirdenclosure in accordance with disclosed aspects and features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED EMBODIMENTS

A novel vehicle disassembly system and method are described herein.However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments aremerely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in variousforms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosedherein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis forthe claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in theart to variously employ the present invention in virtually anyappropriately detailed structure. Alternate embodiments may be devisedwithout departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention.Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to belimiting, but rather, to provide an understandable description of theinvention. While the specification concludes with claims defining thefeatures of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believedthat the invention will be better understood from a consideration of thefollowing description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in whichlike reference numerals are carried forward.

As used herein, the terms “a” or “an” are defined as one or more. Theterm “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more. The term“another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. Theterms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof areintended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process,method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does notinclude only those elements, but may include other elements notexpressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, orapparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, withoutmore constraints, preclude the existence of additional identicalelements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprisesthe element. The terms “including,” “having,” or “featuring,” as usedherein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term“coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although notnecessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. As used herein,the term “about” or “approximately” applies to all numeric values,whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to arange of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalentto the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). Inmany instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to thenearest significant figure. Relational terms such as first and second,upper and lower, top and bottom, right and left, and the like may beused solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity oraction without necessarily requiring or implying any actual suchrelationship or order between such entities or actions.

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of one embodiment of a primaryde-pollution and disassembly line 10 suitable for use with the vehicledisassembly system of the present invention. De-pollution anddisassembly line 10 may include a de-pollution portion 100, adisassembly portion 300, and a conveyor apparatus 250 extending from thede-pollution portion 100 to the disassembly portion 300.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 5-8 , the de-pollution portion 100 of thede-pollution and disassembly line 10 functions to efficiently removewould-be contaminants (e.g., fuel, oil, brake fluid, refrigerant,batteries, etc.) from the end-of-life vehicle (ELV) 5. The de-pollutionportion 100 preferably is located at a beginning section of de-pollutionand disassembly line 10. The de-pollution portion 100 may comprise oneor more greening stations. In a preferred embodiment, the de-pollutionportion 100 includes at least two greening stations to increase theefficiency of the fluid removal process, with each greening stationbeing spatially separated along a first section of the conveyorapparatus 250. Referring specifically to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the de-pollution portion 100 comprises first, second, and thirdgreening stations 110, 120, 130, one or more fluid removal lines 145 a-e(e.g., one or more transport piping apparatuses), and one or morestorage tanks 140 a-e for storing the collected fluids until they can berecycled or otherwise disposed. Each of the greening stations 110, 120,130 may be specifically adapted for removing a particular type of fluidor other would-be contaminant. For example, the first greening station110 may be adapted to extract fuel (e.g., gasoline, ethanol, etc.) fromthe ELV 5 through the use of a fuel removal machine. The second greeningstation 120 may be adapted to extract oil from the ELV 5 through the useof an oil removal tool machine. The third greening station 130 may beadapted to extract fluids from the ELV's engine compartment such asbrake fluid, coolant, refrigerants, etc. through the use of one or moreoverhead fluid removal machines. As shown in FIG. 1 , the greeningstations 110, 120, 130 may be spatially separated along a first sectionof the conveyor apparatus 250. In other embodiments, the functionalityof the greening stations 110, 120, 130 as described herein may becombined into a single greening station located along the first sectionof the conveyor apparatus 250.

The greening stations 110, 120, 130 may be connected to the fluidstorage units 140 by one or more fluid removal lines 145 (i.e., lines145 a-e). The fluid removal lines 145 function to transport fluidremoved from the ELV to the fluid storage units 140. The fluid removallines 145 may be a pipe, duct, tube, hose, or any type of vessel capableof transporting fluids from the vehicle 5. The fluid storage units 140may include one or more storage tanks 140 a-e, which may be any type ofstorage tank capable of storing and holding fluids transported from theELV 5. In certain embodiments, each greening station may be adapted tocollect more than one fluid type from the ELV 5. In such embodiments,more than one fluid removal line 145 may be utilized to connect thegreening station to multiple storage tanks. In other embodiments, eachgreening station may be adapted to collect a single fluid type from theELV 5, thus requiring only a single fluid removal line 145 to connectthe greening station to an assigned storage tank. In furtherembodiments, certain greening stations will be adapted to collect morethan one fluid type, while other greening stations will be adapted toonly collect a single fluid type from the ELV 5. Referring to theembodiment depicted in FIG. 1 , the de-pollution portion 100 of thede-pollution and disassembly line 10 includes a first fluid removal line145 a connecting the first greening station 110 to a gasoline storagetank 140 a, a second fluid removal line 145 b connecting the firstgreening station 110 to a diesel storage tank 140 b, a third fluidremoval line 145 c connecting the second greening station 120 to an oilstorage tank 140 c, a fourth fluid removal line 145 d connecting thesecond greening station 120 to a hydraulic fluid storage tank 140 d, anda fifth fluid removal line 145 e connecting third greening station 130to a coolant storage tank 140 e. In further embodiments, additionalfluid removal machines dedicated to removing additional fluids (e.g.,refrigerant, windshield fluid, etc.) may be utilized at one of theexisting greening stations 110,120,130, or an additional greeningstation can be added to the de-pollution portion 100 to accommodate theadditional machinery. In such embodiments, additional fluid removallines will be utilized to couple the additional fluid removal machinesto a storage tank assigned to the particular fluid. In certainembodiments, each fluid removal machine will include an integrated pumpto transmit the recovered fluid through the fluid removal lines to eachstorage tank. In other embodiments, one or more separate pumps may beutilized to transfer the fluid to a corresponding storage tank.

Referring to FIGS. 5-8 , exemplary embodiments of the first, second, andthird greening stations 110, 120, 130 are shown. FIG. 5 illustrates aperspective view of one embodiment of a first greening station 110adapted to extract fuel (e.g., gasoline, ethanol, etc.) from the ELV 5through the use of a fuel removal machine 115 (e.g., SEDA™ DrainTower™).FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of asecond greening station 120 adapted to extract oil from the ELV 5through the use of an oil removal tool machine 125 (e.g., SEDA™EasyDrain™). The oil removal machine 125 of the second greening station120 may feature a pump 127 for transmitting the recovered oil throughthe fluid removal line 145 c into the corresponding storage tank 140 c,and the oil removal machine 125 may include may include one or morefunnels 128 that may be used for collecting fluid from the ELV 5. Theoil removal machine 125 may also include one or more measurement gaugesand knobs, which may be used to operate the oil removal machine 125(turn OFF/ON, flow control, etc.). FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective viewof one embodiment of a third greening station 130 adapted to extractfluids from the ELV's engine compartment such as brake fluid, coolant,refrigerants, etc. through the use of an overhead fluid removal machine135 having a plurality of suction wands 137 a, 137 b, 137 c.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4 , the conveyor apparatus 250 functions totransport the ELV 5 from the de-pollution portion 100 through thedisassembly portion 300 of the disassembly line 10. The dimensions ofELVs can vary widely. To standardize the track width of each ELV (thehorizontal distance between the left and right wheels) so that theconveyor apparatus 250 may accommodate a wide variety of ELVs, thevehicle disassembly system of the present invention may further comprisea vehicle cart 200 adapted to carry each ELV down the conveyor apparatus250.

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate perspective views of one embodiment of a vehiclecart 200 in accordance with disclosed aspects of the invention. Thevehicle cart 200 may be configured such that an ELV 5 may be placed onthe vehicle cart 200. The vehicle cart 200 may be configured to move onthe conveyor apparatus 250, such as to transport the ELV 5 along theconveyor 250 (e.g., from the de-pollution portion 100 through thedisassembly portion 300). The vehicle cart 200 preferably is configuredto carry ELVs of varying sizes. The vehicle cart 200 may include a firstlongitudinal beam 201 a, a second longitudinal beam 201 b, a fronttransverse beam 203, a rear transverse beam 205, a first front wheelassembly 210 a, a second front wheel assembly 210 b, a first rear wheelassembly 220 a, a second rear wheel assembly 220 b, a first frontsupport block 231 a, a second front support block 231 b, a first rearsupport block 233 a, a second rear support block 233 b, one or morelifting hooks 235, and one or more pulling hooks 236. The firstlongitudinal beam 201 a and the second longitudinal beam 201 b may besubstantially parallel in orientation and may be spaced apart apredetermined distance. The front transverse beam 203 and the reartransverse beam 205 may be substantially parallel in orientation and maybe spaced apart a predetermined distance. The first longitudinal beam201 a and the second longitudinal beam 201 b may be connected to thefront transverse beam 203 and to the rear transverse beam 205, and eachconnection may be at a substantially right angle.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the front wheel assemblies 210 a, 210 bare attached to the front transverse beam 203, while the rear wheelassemblies 220 a, 220 b are connected to the rear transverse beam 205.The first (e.g., passenger's side) wheel assembly 210 a may be connectedto a first end of the front transverse beam 203, the second (e.g.,driver's side) front wheel assembly 210 b may be connected to a secondend of the front transverse beam 203, the first (e.g., passenger's side)rear wheel assembly 220 a may be connected to a first end of the reartransverse beam 205, and the second (e.g., driver's side) rear wheelassembly 220 b may be connected to a second end of the rear transversebeam 205. The longitudinal beam 201 and transverse beams 203, 205 may besupported by the wheel assemblies 210.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the rear wheel assemblies 220 (shown as second rearwheel assembly 220 b) may include a rear wall 221, a cutout 222 formedin the rear wall 221, side walls 223, a front wall 224, a wheel 225(located between the front wall 224, the rear wall 221, and the sidewalls 223), a stacking box 227, and one or more stacking blocks 228.Front wall 224, rear wall 221, and side walls 223 may provide supportfor the vehicle cart 200. In some embodiments, stacking box 227 andstacking blocks 228 may support a vehicle 5 by engaging and supportingthe tires, wheels, or axles (or some other part) of vehicle 5, such asshown in FIG. 2D. Wheel 225 may provide support for the vehicle cart 200and may be configured to roll the vehicle cart 200, such as back andforth along the conveyor apparatus 250. In some embodiments, wheel 225may be a caster wheel, such as to have a swivel mechanism. The stackingbox 227 may be formed on a wheel assembly 220.

The first front support block 231 a may be connected to, and extendupwardly from, a top side of the first longitudinal beam 201 a. Thesecond front support block 231 b may be connected to and extend upwardlyfrom a top side of the second longitudinal beam 201 b. One or morelifting hooks 235 may be connected to an upper side of the first andsecond transfer beams 203, 205. One or more pulling hooks 236 may beconnected to a lateral side of the first and second transfer beams 203,205.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 3-4 , an embodiment of a conveyor apparatus250 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 3 , the conveyor apparatus 250forms an elongated line on which the vehicle cart 200 may be transmittedfrom the de-pollution portion 100 through the disassembly portion 300 ofthe de-pollution and disassembly line 10. FIGS. 4A-4C illustrateperspective views of an embodiment of the conveyor apparatus 250. In oneexample, the conveyor apparatus 250 may be a belt-drive system, achain-drive system, or other conveyor system known in the art. FIGS. 4Aand 4B illustrate top perspective views of an embodiment of the conveyorapparatus 250 and a push-bar trap door 259, and FIG. 4C illustrates aside perspective view of a pusher assembly 260 of the conveyor apparatus260. The conveyor apparatus 250 may include a conveyor track 255, whichmay extend along the length of the conveyor apparatus 250. The conveyortrack 255 may also include guide walls 253, a conveyor floor 255, apusher slot 257, a pusher trap door 259, and a pusher assembly 260. Insome embodiments, the conveyor track 255 may include a floor portionthat may include a pusher slot 257 formed therein and guide walls 253positioned on each side of the conveyor track 255. The trap door 259 maybe formed in the conveyor floor portion. The pusher assembly 260 mayinclude one or more rollers adapted to engage the rear wall 221 ofeither the left or right rear wheel assemblies 220 at a positionproximate to the cutout 222 formed in the rear wall 221. In operation,the pusher assembly 260 will exit the trap door 259 and extend throughthe pusher slot 257 to engage the rear wall 221 of either the left orright rear wheel assemblies 220. The pusher assembly 260 will thenfunction to push the vehicle cart down the conveyor track 255 at apreset speed. In one embodiment, a chain or belt attached to a lowerportion of the conveyor track 255 will engage the pusher assembly 260 todrive both the pusher assembly 260 and the vehicle cart 200 down theconveyor track 255 in a first direction. In alternative embodiments, theconveyor apparatus 250 may utilize a front-wheel-pull design as opposedto the rear-wheel-push design described herein.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 , both the greening stations 110, 120, 130 andthe intermediate part removal stations 301 may be located along thelength of the conveyor apparatus 250. In some embodiments, one or moreof the machines associated with the first and second greening stations110, 120 may be located at least partially below the conveyor track 255to allow for easier access to the fluid repositories located on the ELV5, while one or more of the machines associated with the third greeningstation 130 are positioned at least partially above the conveyor track255. In some embodiments, greening stations 110, 120, 130 and partremoval station portion 300 may be located in other locations inrelation to the conveyor apparatus 250. In further embodiments, otheritems, tools, devices, and the like may be positioned along and/orconnected to the conveyor apparatus 250.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-11 , an embodiment of the disassembly portion300 of the de-pollution and disassembly line 10 is depicted. Thedisassembly portion 300 may include a plurality of intermediate partremoval stations 301 positioned spatially apart along the length of theconveyor apparatus 250. Each intermediate part removal station 301 mayinclude devices or tools configured to remove parts of the ELV 5. Eachintermediate part removal station 301 may be assigned to remove specifictypes of parts from the ELV 5 being transmitted down the conveyorapparatus 250. For example, the first intermediate part removal station301 may be assigned to remove body parts of the ELV, such as bumpers,side mirrors, hoods, etc; the second intermediate part removal station301 may be assigned to remove wheels and tires; the third intermediatepart removal station 301 may be assigned to remove interior parts; andthe fourth intermediate part removal station 301 may be assigned toremove parts located on the ELVs undercarriage, such as the drive shaftand brake components. Alternatively, each intermediate part removalstation 301 may be assigned to remove particular part(s) from the ELV 5by software designed to optimize the part removal process. For example,upon entering a vehicle's VIN number into the program, the software mayidentify the specific vehicle parts in demand from the particularvehicle and assign the removal task to one, or several, of theintermediate part removal stations 301 in order to maximize economicreturn and/or the line rate (i.e., the rate at which the ELVs aretransmitted down the conveyor apparatus 250).

Still referring to FIGS. 9-11 , each intermediate part removal station301 may include left and right work platforms 305 positioned adjacent toleft and right terminals 310 l, 310 r, respectively. In preferredembodiments, each intermediate part removal station 301 will comprise aleft and right terminals 310 l, 310 r positioned substantially acrossfrom one another. In such arrangements, the left part removal terminal310 l will be positioned on the left side (i.e., the driver's side ofthe mounted ELV) of the conveyor apparatus, while a right part removalterminal 310 r will be positioned on the right side (i.e., thepassenger's side of the mounted ELV) of the conveyor apparatus at aposition substantially across from the left part removal terminal 310 l.In certain embodiments, the disassembly portion 300 may further comprisea tool wall 307 positioned along the length of the conveyor apparatus250 between each intermediate part removal station 301. The disassemblyportion 300 preferably includes a plurality of intermediate part removalstations 301, with each having left and right terminals 310 l, 310 r.The plurality of intermediate part removal stations 301 are preferablyspaced apart along the length of the conveyor apparatus 250 by adistance of 20-30 feet, and more preferably 26-28 feet. In theembodiment depicted in FIG. 9 , a total of six (6) intermediate partremoval stations 301 are shown. In alternative embodiments, additionalintermediate part removal stations 301—or fewer intermediate partremoval stations 301—may be utilized.

Referring to FIG. 9 , left and right terminals 310 l, 310 r may includedevices and/or tools used to remove parts from the vehicle 5. The rightterminal 310 r may include a work platform 305 r configured for use by aworker. The terminal 310 r may include a computing device (CPU,computer, and the like), monitor, or other equipment configured for usein the removal of parts from the vehicle 5. The left terminal 310 l maybe similarly configured so that each side of the ELV may be worked onsimultaneously. The tool wall(s) 307 may include one or more tools(mechanical tools, electrical tools, etc.) configured for use (e.g., bya user) in the removal of parts from the vehicle 5. In operation, one ormore workers will be stationed at the left terminal 310 l, and one ormore workers will be stationed at the right terminal 310 r. At eachterminal, the worker(s) may stand or sit on a work platform 305 and mayoperate tools, computing devices, or other devices to remove parts fromthe ELV. In some embodiments, a tool 304 may be attached (e.g., mountedto, connected to, hanging, etc.) to a guidewire 303, such that the tool304 may move on the guidewire 303 between a plurality of stations.

Referring now to FIGS. 11A and 11B, an embodiment of the left and rightterminals 310 l, 310 r of an intermediate part removal station 301 isdepicted. The left and right terminals 310 l, 310 r each may include anupright post 311, a work table or surface 312, a monitor enclosure 313,a printer enclosure 314, a relay box 315, one or more power ports 316, awire mount 317, a bumper arm 318, a bumper 319, a tool drawer 320, and amonitor 321. The work surface 312 may attach to the post 311. The bumperarm 318 and the attached bumper 319 extend from the post 311 laterallytowards the conveyor apparatus 250 and function to any doors left openon the ELV 5 from contacting the other components of the left and rightterminals 310 l, 310 r, particularly the computing hardware housedwithin the left and right terminals 310 l, 310 r. The monitor enclosure313 may enclose five sides of the monitor 321, leaving uncovered thescreen.

The vehicle disassembly system of the present invention may furthercomprise an engine disassembly line 500. Referring to FIGS. 12-21 , anexemplary embodiment of an engine disassembly line 500 is depicted.Engine disassembly line 500 may include one or more engine loadingstations 510 a, 510 b, one or more engine disbanding stations 550, andone or more engine unloading stations 570 a, 570 b. The enginedisassembly line 500 is preferably located adjacent to the disassemblyportion 300 of the disassembly line 10 to allow an engine removed fromELV 5 to be easily transported from the end of the conveyor apparatus250 to the engine disassembly line 500. In a preferred embodiment of avehicle recycling plant housing the vehicle disassembly system of thepresent invention, the one or more engine loading stations 510 a, 510 bof the engine disassembly line 500 are located proximate to (i.e.,within 100 feet) of the end of disassembly portion 300 of the primaryde-pollution and disassembly line 10.

As shown in FIG. 13 , the engine disassembly line 500 may include anoverhead track support frame 501, a track 505, a support beam 506, atrolley assembly 507, support hooks 508 attached to a support beam 506,a first engine loading station 510 a, a second engine loading station510 b, and attachment hooks 512. The overhead track support frame 501may be attached to and support the track 505, which may end along thesupport frame 501. In some embodiments, the support frame 501 may aheight-adjustable support frame 501. The trolley assembly 507 mayinclude the one or more attachment hooks 512. In some embodiments, thetrolley assembly 507 may be a U-shaped trolley and may be suspended fromand configured to move along the track 5. For example, the track 5 maybe an I-beam, and the U-shaped trolley body may engage flanges on theI-beam to move about the track 5. The support beam 506 may be suspendedfrom the trolley assembly 507 by one or more hooks 512. As shown in FIG.13 , a plurality of engine disbanding stations 550 may be positionedalong the track 505. A vehicle engine can be loaded at one of the engineloading stations 510, and may be attached to the hooks 508 (e.g., via astring, chain, wire, etc.). The vehicle engine may traverse the track505 and may move from one engine disbanding station 550 to anotherengine disbanding station 550. Each engine disbanding station 550 may beconfigured with tools or devices that may be used to disassemble ordisband one or more parts from the vehicle engine.

As shown in FIG. 14 , the engine disassembly line 500 may include one ormore engine disassembly stations 555, which may be located atcentralized locations under the track 505. In one example, a vehicleengine may be disassembled at an engine disassembly station 555, such asby having a user remove one or more parts from the vehicle using a toolor hands. As shown in FIG. 14 , an engine disbanding station 550 mayinclude a height adjustable work table 553. The work table 553 mayinclude a pneumatic lift mechanism or system that may be used to adjustthe height of the table 553, such as to lift people or items placed onto the table 553. In one example, a user may stand or sit on the table553, which may raise the user close to an engine vehicle being suspendedby a support beam 506.

As shown in FIG. 15 , the engine loading station 510 b may include aheight adjustable loading table 511, which may include a pneumatic liftmechanism or system that may be used to adjust the height of the table511, such as to lift items (e.g., a vehicle engine) placed on to thetable 511 onto the hooks 508. As shown in FIG. 16 , the trolley assembly507 may be U-shaped. Also shown in FIG. 16 , an engine disassemblystation 555 may be located in a centralized location below the track505. The engine disassembly station 555 may include a post 556, a worktable 557, a monitor enclosure 558, a printer enclosure 559, a powerport 565, and a monitor 50. The work table 557 may be a non-adjustabletable and may be mounted on the post 556 positioned along the enginedisassembly line 500. The monitor enclosure 558, printer enclosure 559,and power port 565 may be mounted on the post 556. The monitor 50 may beconnected to a computing device.

FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the enginedisassembly line 500 showing engine unloading stations 570 a, 570 b. Asshown in FIG. 19 , an engine unloading station 570 a may include aheight adjustable table 571, a table surface 572 that may be adjustablein height, and an engine unloading roller assembly 575. The heightadjustable unloading table 571 may support the engine unloading rollerassembly 575 and may be positioned along the track 505 adjacent to aloading table 510 a. The table 571 may be configured to hold an item(e.g., a vehicle engine), such as on the engine unloading rollerassembly 575, and may lower and/or raise the item in relation to thetrack 505. For example, a vehicle engine may be unloaded from thesupport beam 506 and onto a raised unloading roller assembly 575, andthe table 571 may lower the unloading roller assembly 575 by loweringthe table surface 572.

FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective view an embodiment of the enginedisassembly line 500 showing an engine unloading roller assembly 575.The engine unloading roller assembly 575 may include a frame 576 androllers 578, which may be positioned in and attached to the frame 576.The rollers 578 may be configured to transport items across the rollers578 by facilitating the rolling of items placed on the roller assembly575.

FIG. 21 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the enginedisassembly line 500 showing an engine transport cart apparatus 590. Theengine transport cart 590 may include a cart base 591 and a roller frame596, which may be positioned on the cart base 591. Rollers 598 may bepositioned in and attached to the roller frame 596.

The vehicle disassembly system of the present invention may furthercomprise an engine cleaning apparatus 700. Referring now to FIGS. 22-27, an embodiment of an engine cleaning apparatus 700 is shown. The enginecleaning apparatus 700 may include a conveyor 710, a first enclosure720, a second enclosure 730, an inspection zone 740, a third enclosure750, a water pump 760, a first dryer 761, a second dryer 762, and athird dryer 763. The conveyor 710 may be configured to move items (e.g.,a vehicle engine) from a first end of the conveyor 710 to a second endof a conveyor 710 (e.g., through the first enclosure 720, the secondenclosure 730, and the third enclosure 740). The conveyor 710 may be aroller conveyor system. The engine cleaning apparatus 700 is preferablylocated adjacent to the engine disassembly line 500 to allow an engineto be easily transported from the engine unloading stations 570 a, 570 bto the engine cleaning apparatus 700. In a preferred embodiment of avehicle recycling plant housing the vehicle disassembly system of thepresent invention, the first end of the conveyor 710 of the enginecleaning apparatus 700 is located proximate to (i.e., within 100 feet)of the engine unloading stations 570 a, 570 b of the engine disassemblyline 500.

A vehicle engine may be washed and cleaned in one or more of theenclosures 720, 730, 740. For example, the conveyor 710 may transport avehicle engine through a first enclosure 720 and to a second enclosure730, where a washing zone 731 may be located. In washing zone 731, theengine may be washed by fluid(s) provided by a water pump 760. The firstenclosure 720 may act as a buffer area to keep fluids (e.g., water,cleaning solution, etc.) contained within the first enclosure 710 orwithin the second enclosure 720 (e.g., to keep fluids from getting onthe floor). First enclosure catch basin 792 or second enclosure catch793 may catch the fluid used to wash the vehicle engine. Drain piping797 connected to a drip tray 791 and to basins 793, 792 may transportfluid from basin 793 to basin 792, from basin 792 to drip tray 791,and/or from basin 793 to drip tray 791.

The second enclosure 730 may also include a drip drying zone 732 and ablow drying zone 733. A wet engine may drip dry excess fluid in the dripdrying zone 732, and the excess fluid may, for example, drain in thedrain piping 797. One or more dryers 761 and 762 may blow air onto theengine in in the blow drying zone 733 to dry the engine, and excessfluid may drain, for example, in the drain piping 797.

In the inspection zone 740, users, tools, and/or computing device mayinspect a washed engine to determine whether the engine has beenadequately cleaned. The inspection zone 740 may be an open zone and maybe separate from one of the enclosures 720, 730, 750. For example, theinspection zone 740 may have no ceiling and/or one or more wallstructures in immediate proximity and/or along one or more portions ofthe inspection zone 740. Excess fluid from the inspection zone 740 may,for example, drain in the catch basin 794 and in drain piping 797. Ifthe engine needs to be dried again (e.g., after inspection), the enginemay be dried by a third dryer 763 in the third enclosure 750. Excessfluid from the third enclosure 750 may, for example, drain in the catchbasin 795 and in drain piping 797.

FIG. 23 illustrates a side perspective view of an embodiment of theengine cleaning apparatus 700. As shown in FIG. 23 , the engine cleaningapparatus 700 may include a control panel or device 703, which may beconfigured to control one or more components of the engine cleaningapparatus 700. The control panel 703 may be attached to the enginecleaning apparatus 700, such as positioned adjacent to or on one of theenclosures 720, 730, 750.

FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the enginecleaning apparatus 700. As shown in FIG. 24 , the blow drying zone 733of the second enclosure 730 may include a first dryer arch 771, one ormore dyer nozzles 772 attached to the first dyer arch 771, a second dyerarch 773, and one or more dryer nozzles 774 attached to the second dryerarch 773. The dryer nozzles 772, 774 may blow air over and on an item(e.g., a vehicle engine) inside and/or moving through the secondenclosure 730. One or more dryers 761 and 762 may supply air to thenozzles 772, 774. In some embodiments, a dryer arch, such as the seconddryer arch 773, may be attached to and located outside of the secondenclosure 730, such as being located between the second enclosure 730and the third enclosure 750.

Also shown in FIG. 24 , the third enclosure 750 may include a thirddryer arch 775 and one or more nozzles 776, 778 attached to the thirddryer arch 775. The dryer nozzles 776, 778 may blow air over and on anitem (e.g., a vehicle engine) inside and/or moving through the thirdenclosure 750. Dryer 763 may supply air to nozzles 776, 778. In someembodiments, the third enclosure 750 may act to further dry a vehicleengine after the engine is inspected in the inspection zone 740 (e.g.,determined to be not adequately dry). In some embodiments, the thirdenclosure 750 may act to further wash and dry a vehicle engine after theengine is inspected in the inspection zone 740.

FIG. 25 illustrates a front perspective view of an embodiment of theengine cleaning apparatus 700. As shown in FIG. 25 , the first enclosure720 may include an entrance with a strip curtain 721. The strip curtain721 may act to diminish the amount of fluid that may splash outside ofthe enclosure 720.

FIG. 26 illustrates an internal view of an embodiment of the secondenclosure 730. As shown in FIG. 26 , water jets 770 may be attached toor on a first side, a second side, and on a top side of the secondenclosure 730. The water jets 770 may be configured to spray fluid ontoan item placed on the conveyor 710. In some embodiments, water jets 770may include or be water nozzles. According to some aspects, water jets770 may include a rotating nozzle arm. In one example, an engine mayroll down the conveyor 710 on rollers 712 and may be guided by sidewallguides 711. The sidewall guides 711 may be raised above the rollers 712.In some embodiments, the rollers 712 may be chain-driven rollers. Thelength of the rollers 712 may be adequate for fitting a vehicle engine,such as measuring less than three feet, less than four feet, less thanfive feet, and the like in length.

FIGS. 27A and 27B illustrate rear views of an embodiment of the secondenclosure 730 and the third enclosure 750. As shown, the nozzles 772,774, 776, 778 may be placed at separate locations or zones along theconveyor 710. According to some aspects, nozzles 772, 774, 776, 778 mayinclude a rotating nozzle arm.

The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has beenpresented for purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the preciseform(s) disclosed, and many modifications and other embodiments of theinvention set forth in this disclosure will be appreciated by oneskilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principlesof the invention and its practical application to enable one skilled inthe art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Theembodiments shown in the drawings and described above are exemplary ofnumerous embodiments that may be made within the scope of the appendedclaims. It is contemplated that numerous other configurations may beused, and the material of each component may be selected from numerousmaterials other than those specifically disclosed.

What is clamed is:
 1. A vehicle disassembly system for recyclingend-of-life vehicles, the system comprising: a) a primary de-pollutionand disassembly line; and b) an engine disassembly line positionedadjacent to the primary de-pollution and disassembly line, the enginedisassembly line comprising: i) an overhead track support frame bearinga first track extending along the support frame; ii) a trolley assemblysuspended from the track and configured to move along the first track;iii) at least one loading table positioned below the first track andconfigured to allow an engine on the loading table to be secured to thetrolley assembly; and iv) at least one unloading table positioned belowthe first track.
 2. The vehicle disassembly system of claim 1, whereinthe primary de-pollution and disassembly line comprises: i) ade-pollution portion; ii) a disassembly portion; and iii) a conveyorapparatus having a conveyor track extending from the de-pollutionportion to the disassembly portion.
 3. The vehicle disassembly system ofclaim 2, wherein the de-pollution portion comprises: at least twogreening stations adapted to remove to a plurality of fluids from eachend-of-life vehicle, wherein each greening station is spatiallyseparated from one another along a first section of the conveyorapparatus; at least two storage tanks for storing the plurality offluids; and at least two fluid removal lines fluidly connecting the atleast two greening stations to the at least two storage tanks.
 4. Thevehicle disassembly system of claim 3, wherein the at least two greeningstations comprises a first greening station, a second greening station,and a third greening station; and wherein the at least two storage tankscomprises a first storage tank, a second storage tank, and a thirdstorage tank.
 5. The vehicle disassembly system of claim 4, wherein theat least two fluid removal lines comprises: a first fluid removal lineconnecting the first greening station to the first storage tank; asecond fluid removal line connecting the second greening station to thesecond storage tank; and a third fluid removal line connecting the thirdgreening station to the third storage tank.
 6. The vehicle disassemblysystem of claim 5, wherein the first greening station comprises a fuelremoval machine adapted to extract fuel from each end-of-life-vehicle,wherein the fuel removal machine is positioned at least partially belowthe conveyor track.
 7. The vehicle disassembly system of claim 6,wherein the second greening station comprises an oil removal machineadapted to extract oil from each end-of-life-vehicle, wherein the oilremoval machine is positioned at least partially below the conveyortrack.
 8. The vehicle disassembly system of claim 7, wherein the thirdgreening station comprises an overhead fluid removal machine adapted toextract coolant from each end-of-life-vehicle, wherein the fluid removalmachine is positioned at least partially above the conveyor track. 9.The vehicle disassembly system of claim 2, further comprising a vehiclecart adapted to carry each end-of-life vehicle down the conveyorapparatus, wherein the vehicle cart comprises a plurality oflongitudinal and transverse beams supported by a plurality of wheelassemblies.
 10. The vehicle disassembly system of claim 9, wherein apulling hook is connected to at least one transverse beam.
 11. Thevehicle disassembly system of claim 10, wherein the vehicle cartincludes a plurality of support blocks extending upwardly from thetransverse and/or longitudinal beams.
 12. The vehicle disassembly systemof claim 11, wherein a stacking box is formed on the wheel assemblies.13. The vehicle disassembly system of claim 2, wherein the disassemblyportion of the primary de-pollution and disassembly line comprises aplurality of intermediate part removal stations positioned spatiallyapart along the length of the conveyor apparatus.
 14. The vehicledisassembly system of claim 13, wherein each intermediate part removalstation comprises: a left work platform positioned adjacent to a leftterminal; and a right work platform positioned adjacent to a rightterminal; wherein the left and right terminals are positionedsubstantially across the conveyor apparatus from one another.
 15. Thevehicle disassembly system of claim 14, wherein the left terminal andright terminal each comprise: an upright post; a work surface attachedto the post; a bumper arm extending from the post laterally towards theconveyor apparatus; and a bumper attached to the distal end of thebumper arm.
 16. The vehicle disassembly system of claim 1, wherein theengine disassembly line comprises a plurality of work tables positionedbelow the first track.
 17. The vehicle disassembly system of claim 16,wherein the first track is an I-beam and the trolley assembly includes aU-shaped body engaging flanges on the I-beam.
 18. The vehicledisassembly system of claim 17, wherein an engine support beam issuspended from the trolley with hooks extending downwardly from thefirst track.
 19. The vehicle disassembly system of claim 18, wherein theplurality of work tables are height adjustable.
 20. The vehicledisassembly system of claim 19, wherein the engine disassembly linefurther comprises at least one non-height adjustable work table mountedon a post positioned along the engine disassembly line, wherein thenon-height adjustable work table includes a monitor mount.
 21. Thevehicle disassembly system of claim 19, further comprising a secondtrack extending along the track support frame substantially parallel tothe first track.
 22. The vehicle disassembly system of claim 1, whereinthe loading table is a height-adjustable loading table, and wherein theunloading table is a height-adjustable unloading table.
 23. The vehicledisassembly system of claim 22, further comprising an unloading rollerassembly positioned on the adjustable unloading table.
 24. The vehicledisassembly system of claim 23, further comprising an engine transportcart including, cart wheels supporting a cart base, a roller framepositioned on the cart base and including a plurality of rollerspositioned within the roller frame.
 25. A vehicle disassembly plantcomprising: a) a primary vehicle de-pollution and disassembly linecomprising: i) a conveyor apparatus including a conveyor track extendingalong the disassembly line; ii) a vehicle cart configured to move downthe conveyor track; iii) a fluid contaminant station positioned along afirst portion of the conveyor track and having a plurality of fluidremoval lines, the removal lines communicating with separate storagetanks; iv) a plurality of intermediate part removal stations positionedalong a second portion of the conveyor track; b) an engine disassemblyline positioned adjacent to an end of the second portion of the conveyortrack, the engine disassembly line comprising: i) an overhead tracksupport frame bearing a first track extending alone the support frame;ii) a trolley assembly suspended from the track and configured to movealong the first track; iii) at least one height-adjustable loading tablepositioned below the first track and configured to allow an engine onthe height-adjustable loading table to be secured to the trolleyassembly; and iv) a plurality of height-adjustable work tablespositioned below the track.